Overview
The Nikon Coolpix S560 is a 10 megapixel, pocket digital camera. It has one or two extra features such as being able to take square photos and record time lapse movies. It has a 5x optical zoom lens. Other features include image stabilisation and a 2.7 inch LCD screen.
Why Buy The Nikon Coolpix S560
This is a good, solid pocket camera. It has one or two extra features as mentioned above and is fast to start up and take a photo.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
10
5x
2.7 inches
93 x 54.5 x 23.5 mm
130g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
10cm
No
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
The Coolpix S560 is off to a good start. Focusing is sharp without being perfect. Both the boats in the centre of the photo and the building behind are in sharp focus. I like the colours and the brightness of the shot.
In this photo I can see some darkness creeping into the corners of the shot. This can happen with lenses at the cheaper end of the market as they are unable to capture enough light. When it comes to sharpness this shot is about average.
One of the problems I have with smaller Nikon digital cameras is the fact that focusing options are limited and you cannot select multi point focusing. Multi point focusing is ideal for most landscape style shots as it makes the camera focus right across the photo reducing the loss of sharpness as you move towards the edges. I have improved the sharpness of this shot by selecting the landscape scene mode. This has helped to produce a photo that is much sharper throughout the shot.
As with the third outdoor shot I have used the landscape scene mode. This has made the brickwork much sharper and reduces the softness of the photo as you move away from the centre. I would suggest using this setting for all landscape type shots.
Portraits
With the subject closer to the camera this photo is sharper than the outdoor scenic type shots. Face detection focusing is available to help with sharpness. Lighting is good and the Coolpix S560 should be able to produce decent portrait shots, outside in natural light.
This shot works well for a smaller compact camera. The light is spread evenly and there is enough of it to create a bright shot. There is also plenty of colour in the skin tones.
Here the Coolpix S560 does well when compared to other digital cameras. There is more definition in the shot that is normal. It is likely you will be able to produce good window light portraits with this camera.
Macro, Colours and Noise
You need to be at least 10cm away from the subject for the camera to focus. This makes it difficult to take really good close in shots. My test shot is o.k. but this is not a strength of the Coolpix S5600. My test shot has been cropped for display.
The colours produced by Nikon digital cameras in general have a natural look to them. In fact I would go as far to say that Nikon offer some of the best colour balance going.
Noise levels are in line with expectations. The most positive point is that the colours stay relatively true and do not break down in the way that they often do with other cameras.
Summary
I would describe the Coolpix S5600 as a middle of the road pocket camera. The main plus points are the colours and lighting of the photos.
Style
This is an unfussy, rectangular, pocket camera. It is available in pink, light blue, silver and black.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.39 seconds
9.61 seconds
0.45 seconds
10.52 seconds
2.35 seconds
Ease of Use
This is one of the more straightforward digital cameras. I found the menus very clear and easy to read as well.
Points I Like
Ease of use - help text
Where it Could Improve
Macro mode
Verdict
The Nikon Coolpix S560 may not be spectacular, but it does what it sets out to do. It is a straightforward, pocket camera that takes a decent snapshot. It is easy to use and has one or two different features too.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Nikon Coolpix S560 Review Nikon Coolpix S560 Specification Nikon Coolpix S560 Sample Images Nikon Coolpix S560 Features
Review Date
January 2009
